Eternity Review
Sometimes, we’re left to wonder what our lives would be like if we made one decision over the other. Of course, everyone’s lives are filled with millions of decisions that can influence where we end up. However, director David Freyne poses the question of what it could be like to see what that other choice would look like and if it really could be better than what one has done before. Through combining a dramatic narrative of romanticism with these peculiar and abstract ideas of the afterlife, Eternity stands out as a hilarious, if optimistically somber, retrospective of life and love.
Eternity follows a husband and wife, Larry (Miles Teller) and Joan (Elizabeth Olsen), who’ve lived their lives to the fullest and grew old together. When both of them eventually die, Larry tries to get Joan to spend their afterlives together. However, when Joan’s first lover, Luke (Callum Turner) tries to woo his way back into Joan’s heart, a rivalry begins stirring between the two men. Now, Joan must decide who she wants to “rest in peace” within the span of a week.
The best way to describe Eternity’s tone is simply a blend of cautious optimism and hilarious pessimism. Freyne utilizes his co-written script with Pat Cunnane with a lot of sharp humor to always remind you that there’s a bright side to this little war of lovers that isn’t fully seen by the main characters.
From the sidelining, yet ever watchful, ACs played by Da’Vine Joy Randolph and John Early to the snarky, middle-aged physical bouts from Larry and Luke, this film is perfectly filled with comedic rivalries. Randolph and Early’s comedic timings really make the jokes land as both of them root for their man of preference with both subtle and untamed sassiness. These two really carry the film’s planned comedy, especially when things between Joan’s lovers actually take off.
However, Eternity truly lies upon the endearing dynamics shared between Teller, Turner, and Olsen. While Larry’s old-man cynicisms clash with Luke’s prince-like charms provide some comical hijinks, like their on-the-floor slapfights the multiple war of words where they debate their perfectionisms, it’s Joan who takes the cake.
Olsen’s performance as the love-stricken Joan truly shows its deepness in some incredibly harrowing sequences involving memories. She wonderfully shows how Joan can be a ray of sunshine in her lovers’ lives, but can be too empathetically concerned overall. However, Olsen’s comedic chops also shine through in those physical bits as well (who also doesn’t love squatting?)
All of this comes together to balance out the narrative structure Freyne has formed for Eternity. Instead of just throwing us into the deep end with snarky remarks about decision-making, Freyne allures us with bittersweet reunions and classic rivalry mix-ups to hone in on that comedic tone. It gradually becomes more serious, with facades and split experiences Joan has with both of her lovers to truly make you resonate with what both men are going through.
When the heartfelt sincerity of Freyne and Cunnane’s story kicks into Eternity’s third act, it truly starts to feel reflective of those held back feelings many have. Joan truly starts to feel like her own person, allowing Olsen to give another sentimental performance that will simply shake you. Although, it did feel like the pacing made it so those moments of reminiscing would have been more of a “telling” than “showing”.
Freyne’s focused direction continually keeps you wondering why Joan isn’t embracing the perfectionist life she wanted with Luke or why she doesn’t stay loyal to Larry. The film walks this fine line in explaining both lovers’ motivations, but never truly sides with either of them until the credits roll, which successfully gets its point across.
Additionally, Freyne really allows the world-building of the film to make it feel like the bureaucracy of the afterlife is present in every way. From banquet halls filled with booths advertising wacky worlds (like a 1930s with no Nazis to the pearly gates themselves) to stations and hotels that encircle the entire place, there’s a certain corporate whimsy that makes these sets fully come to life. In a way, you could say it’s as if the TVA headquarters from Loki was actually Purgatory (not to mention it even has its own Void to hold escapees.)
Eternity is a beautifully sentimental rom-com that shines thanks to sublime performances from Miles Teller, Elizabeth Olsen, and Callum Turner and hilarious wits from Da’Vine Joy Randolph and John Early. Freyne’s story simply captures the essence of choice and making life what one wants it to be with eccentric joy and touching undertones to truly present one of the most entertaining rom-coms this year.
Eternity is currently playing in limited theaters and will have its wide theatrical release on November 26.
Rating: ★★★★
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Christopher Gallardo is a freelance entertainment writer and critic. While not running The Reel Roller, Chris can be found writing reviews and breakdowns on all things films and TV. Outside of entertainment writing, he’s currently taking classes for a Bachelor’s of Science with a minor in Digital Media & Journalism. Plus, he loves Percy Jackson, animated films and shows, and Fallout! Follow Christopher on Instagram & X.